The 2020 Acura TLX with the 2.4L four-cylinder and front-wheel drive gets 27 MPG combined. This is a reasonable choice for buyers who want a nice driving experience and don’t need maximum fuel efficiency. This comfortable, stylish sedan is aimed at professionals and small families who want some luxury without sacrificing dependability or spending too much.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Acura TLX FWD 2.4L gets 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect how the vehicle performs in different environments. The 23 MPG city rating means the TLX is OK for city driving, but nothing special. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, while smooth and responsive at speed, can feel a bit rough in stop-and-go traffic, which hurts fuel consumption. On the other hand, the 33 MPG highway rating is great for long trips, making the TLX a comfortable and economical road companion. The engine cruises easily, letting drivers go long distances without stopping for gas. It balances performance and efficiency for everyday driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Acura TLX FWD 2.4L is $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your costs will change depending on how you drive, where you live, and gas prices. However, this $2,150 gives potential owners a way to estimate their transportation costs. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and skipping maintenance can all increase your annual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy is often different. Drivers can expect to get numbers close to the EPA estimates if they drive carefully. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and long idling times will reduce fuel efficiency. Weather, tire pressure, and how much the car is carrying all affect MPG. Drivers who mostly drive their TLX on the highway at steady speeds are more likely to get 33 MPG. Those who mostly drive in the city with lots of stops will probably see closer to 23 MPG. Always check TLX MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2020 Acura TLX FWD 2.4L competes with other fuel-efficient luxury sedans. The Lexus IS 300 RWD gets about 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, which is a bit less efficient than the TLX. The BMW 330i gets around 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, so it’s slightly better on the highway. The Audi A4 Ultra gets about 27 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, so it’s more efficient on the highway, and the same in the city. Even a few MPGs can affect buying decisions, especially when you think about long-term costs. Acura buyers often want something sportier than Honda but more reliable than an equivalent German car, and they accept the TLX’s fuel economy to get that combination. Refer to all Acura fuel economy data for more information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The TLX’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission has paddle shifters. You can use these to manually select higher gears at lower RPMs, especially in city driving. This reduces engine load and saves gas. Try using the paddles to keep the engine in its most efficient range, especially when accelerating gently.

The TLX has different driving modes that change fuel consumption. “Econ” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by changing how the throttle responds and how the transmission shifts. It might make the car feel less responsive, but it can improve MPG in everyday driving. When you don’t need maximum performance, “Econ” mode is a good idea.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. You can find this on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

Avoid idling. If you’re going to wait for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes gas without moving the car. This is especially important in cities where idling is common.

Combine errands into one trip. Starting a cold engine uses more gas than running a warm engine. By combining trips, you reduce cold starts and increase fuel efficiency.